Shocker Shock the Nation

The Butler Bulldogs had quite a wild ride against the Marquette Golden Eagle, it was a back and forth game. It would end with an inbound pass thrown out of bounds by the Golden Eagles with 2.9 seconds left. But, Butler couldn't get it to Rotnei Clarke who had 24 points, and with no time-outs they gave it to Andrew Smith who bricked a 3. That would end Butler's tournament and they would go home on a 74-72 loss. Vander Blue was the man who made the 3 to put the Golden Eagles up and gave them momentum at the end. He had 29 points that game and was 3-4 on the 3 ball.

The Syracuse Orange have been lead to another victory by James Souterland. This game against the California Golden Bears, Southerland had 9 rebounds and 14 points not taking as many shots. C.J Fair was though, the junior had 18 points and 6 rebounds at forward. But, when Richard Solomon got hot he started cutting Syracuse' leads from 10 to 5 and the Golden Bears were back in it. Solomon played amazing this game with 14 rebounds and 22 points. This added up to a 66-60 loss for the Golden Bears.

Overrated, Overrated, Overrated, that is what half the nation sees number 1 Gonzaga to be. They have just lost 70-76 to the ninth seeded Wichita State Shockers. The Shockers were winning nearly the whole game, but keeping it close, then Cleanthony Early helped the Shockers yet again run away with it as time expired. Early had 7 rebounds and 16 points. Not even Kelly Olynik could win it for the Bulldogs, he had 26 points and 9 rebounds, sadly for the Bulldog fans that wasn't enough. Not even Kevin Pangos's 19 points was enough, not even Mike Hart's 14 rebounds was enough. My point is Wichita State played to well as a team for any singular star to beat them alone.

As Marquette moves on who do you think they will play, Miami or Illinois? I believe that the Illinois will win because, they have already beaten Ohio State, Gonzaga, Indiana, and Butler. I think they can add Miami to that list. Post your opinion in the comments.

NCAA- Day 1

The NCAA's first official day of March Madness has begun. The games that have already occurred include, Witchita State Destroying Pittsburg. Pitt ended up losing 55-73 in a slaughter. Cleanthony Early had a forward for the Witchita State Shockers had 7 rebounds and 21 points off the bench.

Butler had their first game of the tournament against Bucknell and Bucknell was taken down. The final score was 68-56. The Butler Bulldogs' Andrew Smith had 14 points and 16 rebounds. The Bucknell Bison's forward, Joe Willman, had 20 points in the downfall of his team.

Valparaiso Crusaders a 13 seed faced the Michigan State Spartans who were dominant. They won 65-54 lead by Derrick Nix who had 15 rebounds and 23 points and he was the difference maker in this game.

Te rest of the games played today will be covered later.

By David B.

Atlantic 10- Butler is Demolished

The Butler Bulldogs put up a great fight against the surprisingly strong Saint Louis Billkens. The Billkens only had a two point lead at the half, but that lead grew large fast. The Billkens outscored the Bulldogs by 9 in the second half.

The Bulldogs starting five were so week only two of them had points! If it weren't for Rotnei Clarke they would have lost by much for than 11. Clarke had 16 points and 5 rebounds making him the only player in double figures. On the other hand, the Billkens had a very strong starting five with two of them with double figures in points and one with 11 rebounds. In fact Dwayne Evans had a double-double with 11 rebounds and 24 points. Cody Ellis, a starter as well, had 13 points and 5 rebounds.

The final score was 67 to 56 with the Atlantic 10 being won by the Saint Louis Billkens. If the Bulldogs had a second chance to play the Billkens do you think they would win? I do. Post your opinion in the comments!

By David B.

Gonzaga vs. Butler

Butler and Gonzaga would have a wild ride in this game. There would be 6 lead changes in just the last 2 minutes. It would start with Gonzaga down 57-58 with only 1:51 seconds left in the game. Then the back and forth would start. Gonzaga would regain the lead when Kelly Olynyk would make two free throws leaving :04 seconds on the clock. Then after a Butler turnover Gonzaga's David Stockton would make a terrible inbound pass and it would be stolen by Roosevelt Jones who would then take the ball up the court and make a buzzer beating fade-away for the lead.

Gonzaga was being carried all game to the fourth quarter by forward Elias Harris who had 7 boards and 20 points which would tie for the most in the game. On the Butler side it would be Roosevelt Jones who had 20 points also and 5 rebounds. He only had one steal, but it was a very important one. The one that would win the game.

                 By David B.